Not a big Thai BL fan, this was a surprise !
Years, I have been struggling with Thai BL, their production seemed always very amateurish and rushed.However thats not the case for Top Form AT ALL.
Top Form feels like a carefully crafted passion project; from the direction to the cinematography and the music it was very artistically filmed. To my understanding this was adapted from a Japanese source material and I have to admit even while watching it I thought that it gave the subtle sensitivities of Japanese filmmaking. But it never felt like a copy, it was more like a beautiful pair of the best aspects of both cultures. The main actors were good but Boom stands out by far for his impeccable acting. His ability to convey emotions was mesmerising. To my disbelief he hasn't been a protagonist in as many titles as he should. A true tragedy.
Top Form was a triumph and the industry should learn some lessons and try to prioritise quality over quantity.
Easier said than done when, BL dramas are produced as easily consumable fast food that fans would eat up if the main guys are attractive.
p.s I still rated it 8.5/10 because it had some potential for further improvement in the scenario
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a disappointing ending
I liked it so much during ep 1 to 9. I was totally excited from the very beginning, the actors are the best. I was waiting for every new episode like it was a very important event of the day.But the end of the story... it was so lame!
Ep 10 and 11 may have a nice script, but filmed so boring and disappointing. Like ep 10 and 11 had another editor/director, really.
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Just watch it !!! Its that good!!
What do I say, I've put this series on hold for quite sometime, guess I shouldn't have.Well, I had my reasons to not watch it cuz I'm coming from the anime for Junta x Takato, and it felt very idk was a bit unsettling for some reason BUT BUT BUTTTT, Topform is totally not it ... the characters are potrayed so freaking well.
LOVED SmartBoom (Boom is so freking cute ... his smile oh my god T_T).
Also not forgetting the honey scene, I've been listening about it for a while, but never expected the scene to be soooooooo sooooo fking sensual, the sounds ugghhhhbdfghsv.....
Loved the black honey cut fckkkkkkkk .....
AND OOOHHH ... P' JADE ...... WOW damn that mann ... loved his character (obv him too 🫢)
Overall, I'm very satisfied after watching.
INSANE ACTING BY THE ACTORS ... byeee..... chub chub ^3^
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This review may contain spoilers
Join me in the Akin protection squad
This is only my second live-action Bl drama, but I have been reading BL/queer stories for like a decade and I read Dakaichi when it came out so I’m familiar with the genre and story.Acting:
Ho-ho-ho-ho-holy shit.. Boom. BOOM. BOOOOOOOOOM. My god, man. I was blown away. I did not expect to be so moved by this man; no one spoke to me of his power. Good god, episodes 6-7?? His reaction the morning after the assault. That car scene was so insane. His reaction in the elevator. Like every other damn scene. I just… wow.
Smart left a lot to be desired. He was so expressionless, and I felt little to nothing from him aside from the anger/frustration/hurt he expressed in the elevator. I needed him to have more depth, move his face, and fit his expressions and body language to the scene better. Boom might as well have been acting out most of these scenes with a mannequin.
Characters:
Akin deserves all the happiness and success in the world. Jin was kind and loving, but a bit too boring and forgettable, like there was no depth to his character.
Writing/Inconsistencies:
Love the direction they went in as an adaptation with this for the most part. Wish there was a bit more of a rivalry vibe to it in the beginning, but overall I’m just glad they strayed pretty far from the original story and made this a far more wholesome story. There weren’t too many inconsistencies that stood out to me. The first 7 or so episodes were very well done. Loved the story, besides the very odd decision to have Jin drive an unconscious Akin on his MOTORCYCLE instead of doing like anything else.
However, things get a little wonky when they started making this the “let’s make Akin’s life a living hell” story, where bad things happen to him and we don’t communicate properly with him just so the audience can see him suffer for a little longer. There were also a couple of plot points that felt off or didn’t make as much sense as the rest of the story.
Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:
Chemistry was alright, not bad overall. However, Boom’s acting skills brought Akin’s emotions to life. I believed that Akin was frustrated, angry, apathetic, sad, confused, happy, in love, ect. But I don’t think Smart’s portrayal of Jin brought the same to the story. There were a handful of scenes throughout that I felt a spark from him in a scene with Boom, but for the most part, he just didn’t express much of anything. The story as a romance was good.
Nothing big stood out as odd about the kissing.
NC scenes:
RIP that rug frfr. Honey scene truly iconic. Loved the black honey cut or whatever it was called, it was very pretty. Besides the obvious insanity that is not only inserting honey into the booty and dealing with the consequences of that action alone, but also following that up with intercourse using said honey as lube… like, besides all that… The thing that gets me is that these two love birds doused themselves in honey and got freaky with it, then proceeded to take a shower in what I am assuming is the ensuite to the main bedroom. And instead of going to bed in the bedroom they are presumably already in, they grab a comforter and return to the scene of the crime, which, mind you, must be absolutely covered in honey. I mean, the rug is obviously a goner, but there is just no way the couch came out unscathed. And then there is the shower scene. There was just no reason for Jin to pull them into the bathroom, turn on the shower, and direct the showerhead at their faces. Wild. And I think they also ended up sleeping on the couch a couple of other times and not in very comfortable positions either. My man is over 30 and let me tell you, we gotta start protecting our backs. Can't be sleeping on the couch all the damn time.
Music/SFX:
One very positive thing I would like to note was the decision to not have any background music when Akin got home the morning after his assault. That was haunting. Just raw emotion depicted so well by Boom. Nothing about the music stood out to me as horrendous or anything. I don’t recall any issues with SFX either.
I am so shocked that I saw absolutely no one talking about Boom’s acting in this or the portrayal of what happened in episodes 6-7. I saw plenty of posts about the honey scene and whatnot, so I was entirely unprepared.
This storyline hit home because I went through a similar situation.
Akin had no memory. He didn’t know whether he was assaulted or if he had consented to sleeping with Johnny. (WE saw that he was too intoxicated, but he didn’t know if he could have seemed coherent enough to consent) Because it’s harder to accept that you were assaulted, he decided he must have slept with Johnny, and Jin’s reaction solidified that further in Akin’s mind. Not that it mattered, he was just so messed up by the whole situation that thinking clearly was obviously difficult.
There were definitely issues with the writing decisions after the devastating car scene. I think that if they wanted to go the no-punishment route, they should have made it more realistic with having Akin say he just wants it to go away and he doesn’t want to deal with it or something like that. I also think they should not have portrayed the aftermath between the characters and Johnny as cordial at all. He should not have been involved in the story past the play he was in if they wanted to move past the incident.
Idk man, Boom just really blew me away with being able to portray the complex emotions that come with such a complex scenario without any words.
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Intense Passion Meets Tender Storytelling.
TRUELY A MASTERPIECE. I loved every part of this drama. The way it handled the issues that really happens in the industry ( sadly with them as well😭). I loved how it did not show the usual happy ending but a realistic ending, the way we don't always win the game but we understand the value. The Plot was everything, it balances moments of intense passion with quiet, heartfelt scenes that deepen character development. It keeps viewers hooked with a blend of drama, humor, and steamy romance.Boom Raveewit (Akin) and Smart Chisanupong (Jin) bring authentic performances full of subtlety and depth. Their onscreen chemistry is electric from simmering tension to intimate vulnerability making their relationship believable and compelling.
Their expressions and body language convey a lot without overacting, which I loved a lot.
Also would love to mention the intimate scenes, they were well-shot, tasteful, and emotionally charged. They felt organic to the story showing genuine connection between the characters.
Easily giving it my highest praises and Ratings
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Top drama
This drama is genuinely impressive. The scripts are well-written, and the scenes are crafted beautifully, featuring actors who deliver clean and engaging dialogue (both fictionally and in reality).I thought the acting was outstanding. Smart did an excellent job, and Boom really surprised me – his expressions and the rawness with which he portrays his character made me emotionally connect with everything he expressed in this drama.
I also really liked the arc about the obsessive fan and the portrayal of the challenges that idols and actors face due to public scrutiny. They were both interesting and relevant. Many people seem to forget that celebrities deserve privacy and boundaries. I appreciate that dramas like this are attempting to highlight these issues. Hopefully, it resonates with some viewers.
Overall, this is an incredible drama, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only complaint is the honey. Why?! Just… why. Honestly, RIP that whole carpet!
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The best BL
A PERFECTLY LIVE-ACTION STORY, FULL OF ROMANCE AND DRAMA THAT MAKES YOU STAY AND FALL IN LOVE.SEE THE EVOLUTION OF AKIN'S CHARACTER FROM SOMEONE WHO ONLY LIVES FOR WORK AND FINDS LOVE, GOING THROUGH ACCEPTING IT AND LETTING HIMSELF GO.
JIN'S CHARACTER WHO JUST LIVES WITHOUT ANY AMBITION OR DREAM, SEEING HIM GROW FROM THE LOVE HE FINDS IN AKIN IS INCREDIBLY LOVELY.
SEEING THIS STORY IS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE MADE IN MY LIFE, IT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE OF WHAT I SHOULD ACCEPT FROM THE PERSON I LOVE.
IF YOU LET TOP FORM INTO YOUR LIFE YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE IT, IT WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN YOUR HEART AND MEMORY.
GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
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Worth it!
I admit I don't know the manga. But... it doesn't matter! It has been quite some time since I saw a drama that I just couldn't let go! I missed sleep for it. It is worth it. And yes, you get to cry a lot! And yes, you will never look at honey the same way again. The man behind Akin... perfect and gorgeous, conveying raw emotions! Amazing acting! Smart behind Jin was not bad. Musicwise, I have heard better, but overall it fits the scenes. Now go watch it!Was this review helpful to you?
The most adorable couple
I rarely give 10/10 but SmartBoom deserves this. Hands down Boom is the cutest human being ever. Where have you been hiding Boom?!You NEED to watch this series for their love, loyalty, and chemistry. The plot isn't anything special-two actors fall in love. But boy are they IN LOVE. Through thick and thin the most adorable couple ever. They are able to make your heart incredibly happy. But also, I've never seen anything quite like Boom's crying skill. This man will have YOU crying because the depth of emotion to his acting is top notch.
SmartBoom you and MilesApo are my two most beloved couples.
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WATCH THIS SERIES
I was so so unpatient waiting for this series to come out, It’s not my favorite drama but they made me love them more. I know Smart from Don’t say no like most people watching this drama, he was kinda getting on my nerves in dsn but he made me a big fan of him and his acting because of role in Top Form, I will definitely never forget this series and tell people to watch this masterpieceI’M WAITING FOR MORE SERIES WITH SMARTBOOM CUZ THEIR CHEMISTRY, ACTING AND EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING
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ATTRACTIVE PAIR
Forget the review. I'm just gonna say SmartBoom is a visual POWERHOUSE of a pairing. Oh my gosh. I found myself replaying every close-up scene just to watch their eyes. Literally.Aside from the visual suckerpunch, Top Form is a really great watch—especially if you're a fan of Lovely Writer and 25:00 in Akasaka. It's an industry look at the world of acting, for both budding and experienced actors. It's a versatile show that touches on mental health, SA, stalking, love/learning to love, miscommunication, discovering self worth, grief, homophobia and more. I will definitely say, if you're looking for a lighthearted drama, this ain't for you. It's heavy and really tugs at your heartstrings although there are a few goofy moments. But it's so worth a watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
GREEN FLAGS ONLY
If you feel annoyed by all of these repetitive plots about manipulative and toxic characters being mean to each other then welcome to the green forest territory.This must be one of the most healthiest relationship in BL history.. or at least in Thai BL..
I didn't know anything about this story at all and haven't watched anime but I can feel that the casting was on top. Both Smart and Boom did a great job in portraying characters. Chemistry is overflowing.
Also the height and age difference played really well in this case.
**Let's get to the plot**
The idea to show the downside of the entertainment industry seems interesting from the start. The love story is intertwined with the behind-the-scenes struggles that add up a spice to the story. The series pictured plenty of different aspects of being an artist but I wish they'd dug a little deeper to show us the most ugliest sides of fame.
It's quite easy to watch cause the problems solve as fast as they come.
***
Also justice for the Akin's manager Jade. Why the hell his story didn't get any development? Because of season 2 that we will probably never be able to witness? Well..thanks.
***
* JIN (SMART)
I was surprised to see that a lot of people calling him an obsessive weirdo. I couldn't see anything creepy about him. He's just a nice kid who's head over heels for his lover and that's nothing weird.
Jin treats his partner the most carrying way that's possible throughout the story.
The tenderness and softness in Smart's voice made character even more attractive.
* Akin (Boom)
The pretty crier in action. Is it even possible to look this good while crying ?
Well, Akin is probably one of the most naive and pure actors with experience so far. I don't know if this even possible in reality because the entertainment industry is a rough place. Akin being this trustful despite being and icon for more then 10 years is a little bit weird.
So this detail may disturb sometimes while the characters are having a crisis moments but nonetheless it doesn't conflicts with the plot.
Well, I'm glad that boom didn't stop evolving in his acting since "The chains of heart". He's made a tremendous job to portray various complicated emotions.
Loves his relationship with his grandma. This plot line adds depth to the character and the story itself.
***
Even though the ending was great but I still feel robbed of one last episode.. just to clarify all the uncertainties.
***
The original soundtrack felt so good to hear. Lyrics definitely match the characters feeling.
The other musical accompaniment was still in theme and complement some touchy and teary scenes.
P.S.
Hope you can eat honey without being traumatized :)
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